Hyundai Sonata Getting Less Style, Adding Plug-In Hybrid
The current Hyundai Sonata exemplified the brand’s “fluidic sculpture” design language, but when it gets redesigned, the flowing lines and expressive angles will be toned down.
When asked about the new design direction, Hyundai CEO John Krafcik said that “the forms might be a little less extroverted.” The new design philosophy is called “fluidic precision,” suggesting that the lines will be more precise, with sharper more squared off lines.
Powertrain details are still unknown, but it is unlikely there will be major changes to the current lineup of four cylinder engines. However, a new plug-in hybrid from Hyundai is expected, and will almost certainly wear the Sonata badge. It should debut sometime in 2013 to go on sale in mid 2014. This car will use the existing Sonata hybrid setup, with the additional option of charging the batteries from an outside source.
The new Sonata will debut as a 2015 model, and should be on sale by the summer of 2014.
[Source: Automotive News]
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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Hyundai is giving back all that good will they have developed by putting that hideous new front end on all their new cars.